Code Xtra: Supporting Young People to Develop Digital Skills (UK)

Deadline: 26-Feb-2026

Digital Xtra is inviting UK organisations to establish and operate Code Xtra community coding hubs, supporting young people in developing digital skills, coding, and robotics. Hubs provide hands-on activities, equipment like LEGO Education kits and BBC micro:bits, and guidance for educators, while creating a sustainable network to expand local coding clubs and reach underrepresented groups. Eligible applicants include schools, charities, local authorities, and other UK-registered organisations involved in digital education.

Overview

Code Xtra is a UK-based programme designed to build digital skills in young people through immersive, hands-on experiences in coding, robotics, and technology. It establishes community hubs that act as local centres of learning, resource sharing, and mentorship for young learners.

The programme aims to:

• Engage young people in local coding and technology activities

• Create a hub-and-spoke model to support new grassroots coding clubs

• Provide guidance and training for educators

• Act as lending libraries for equipment and learning resources

• Deliver high-quality extracurricular activities to build Scotland’s future talent pipeline

• Promote inclusion, targeting young people facing barriers due to gender, geography, background, or socioeconomic factors

How Code Xtra Hubs Operate

Each Code Xtra hub functions like a local coding or tech club, offering dynamic learning experiences. Key features include:

• Provision of LEGO Education computing kits, BBC micro:bits, and related accessories

• Opportunities for hubs to supplement resources with their own equipment and learning content

• Development of a connected digital skills ecosystem across the community

• Adoption of a hub-and-spoke model as hubs mature to support new clubs, mentor educators, and share resources

• Integration with existing programmes and strategies to maximize local impact

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Lead Organisations include:

• UK-registered companies, charities, and chartered bodies

• Local authorities, libraries, schools, colleges, and universities actively involved in computing or digital education for young people

• Previous Digital Xtra grant recipients who meet current eligibility requirements

Organisations must demonstrate the ability to maintain a community coding hub and deliver a measurable positive impact on the local digital skills landscape.

Why Code Xtra Matters

The initiative addresses key challenges in digital education:

• Bridging the digital skills gap: Providing hands-on coding and robotics experiences to young people

• Promoting inclusivity: Reaching learners from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups

• Supporting educators: Offering guidance, training, and resources to expand local coding opportunities

• Creating sustainable ecosystems: Establishing networks of connected hubs and clubs that grow over time

How to Apply / How it Works

To participate in Code Xtra, organisations should:

1. Prepare an Expression of Interest (EOI)

   • Highlight experience in computing or digital technologies for young people

   • Explain plans for running a community coding hub

2. Detail resource management and activity plans

   • Describe how LEGO Education kits, BBC micro:bits, and additional resources will be used

   • Outline strategies for supplementing equipment or content

3. Demonstrate impact potential

   • Show how hubs will reach young people facing barriers

   • Include metrics for engagement, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability

4. Explain network growth

   • Provide plans for hub-and-spoke expansion, mentoring additional clubs, and supporting educators

5. Submit the application

   • Ensure compliance with Digital Xtra guidelines and eligibility requirements

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not clearly showing how the hub will reach underrepresented groups

• Failing to outline sustainability or growth plans

• Overlooking hub-and-spoke network potential

• Not including specific use of equipment and learning resources

• Neglecting to demonstrate prior experience in computing education or digital technologies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply to run a Code Xtra hub?
UK-registered companies, charities, chartered bodies, local authorities, libraries, schools, colleges, and universities involved in computing education are eligible.

2. Can previous Digital Xtra grant recipients apply?
Yes, if they meet current eligibility requirements.

3. What equipment is provided to hubs?
Hubs receive LEGO Education kits, BBC micro:bits, and accessories, with the option to supplement with their own resources.

4. What is the hub-and-spoke model?
It allows mature hubs to support additional grassroots clubs, mentor educators, and share resources across the network.

5. Which young people does the programme target?
The programme focuses on inclusion, reaching young people who face barriers such as gender, geography, background, or socioeconomic factors.

6. How does Code Xtra support educators?
Hubs provide guidance, training, and access to shared resources to help local educators deliver high-quality digital skills activities.

7. How will success be measured?
Success is measured through community engagement, reach of underrepresented groups, growth of hubs and clubs, and demonstrable improvement in digital skills.

Conclusion

Code Xtra empowers UK organisations to develop community coding hubs that provide hands-on digital learning to young people. By offering equipment, training, and networked support, the programme fosters inclusion, innovation, and sustainability, helping to build a skilled future workforce and a connected ecosystem of digital skills learning.

For more information, visit Digital Xtra.